Automated intelligent discovery engine for classifying computer data files

Abstract

A novel software engine employs a method of classifying computer data files that at least includes: establishing a plurality of data file classification rules; choosing a weighted factor for each the data file classification rule utilized; scanning at least a portion of a computer system data files; for each data file encountered, applying the data file classification rules according to their weightings; and ranking each data file according to likely relevance to one or more predetermined data file categories.

1 . A method of classifying computer data files comprising: 
 establishing a plurality of data file classification rules;    choosing a weighted factor for each said data file classification rule utilized;    scanning at least a portion of a computer system data files;    for each data file encountered, applying said data file classification rules according to their weightings; and    ranking each data file according to likely relevance to one or more predetermined data file categories.    
   
   
       2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said predetermined data file categories comprise user-created data files, and system data files.  
   
   
       3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 automatically modifying the weighting or the data file classification rules based on perceived user computer system usage.    
   
   
       4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said data file classification rules comprise: 
 considering recent usage of a data file.    
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said data file classification rules further comprise: 
 considering whether a data file matches a recent file search pattern.    
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said data file classification rules further comprise: 
 considering whether a data file name includes at least a portion of a user's name.    
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said data file classification rules further comprise: 
 considering whether a data file name includes at least one or more predetermined keywords.    
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said data file classification rules are modifiable by a user.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising: 
 allowing a user to modify said data file classification rules via a graphical user interface.    
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8 , further comprising: 
 allowing a user to modify said data file classification rules via a search job template.    
   
   
       11 . A software engine adapted to automatically classify computer data files, said engine comprising: 
 a data file classification rule establisher adapted to establish a plurality of data file classification rules;    a data file classification rule weighter adapted to weight each said data file classification rule utilized;    a data file scanner adapted to scan at least a portion of a computer system data files;    a data file classification rule applier adapted to apply said data file classification rules according to their weightings to each data file encountered; and    a data file ranker adapted to rank each data file according to likely relevance to one or more predetermined data file categories.    
   
   
       12 . The engine of  claim 11 , wherein said predetermined data file categories comprise user-created data files, and system data files.  
   
   
       13 . The engine of  claim 11 , further comprising: 
 a data file classification rule weighting modifier adapted to automatically modifying the weighting or the data file classification rules based on perceived user computer system usage.    
   
   
       14 . The engine of  claim 11 , wherein said data file classification rules comprise: 
 considering recent usage of a data file.    
   
   
       15 . The engine of  claim 11 , wherein said data file classification rules further comprise: 
 considering whether a data file matches a recent file search pattern.    
   
   
       16 . The engine of  claim 11 , wherein said data file classification rules further comprise: 
 considering whether a data file name includes at least a portion of a user's name.    
   
   
       17 . The engine of  claim 1 , wherein said data file classification rules further comprise: 
 considering whether a data file name includes at least one or more predetermined keywords.    
   
   
       18 . The engine of  claim 11 , wherein said data file classification rule establisher is further adapted to allow said data file classification rules to be modified by a user.  
   
   
       19 . The engine of  claim 18 , wherein said data file classification rules are modifiable via a graphical user interface.  
   
   
       20 . The engine of  claim 18 , wherein said data file classification rules are modifiable via a search job template.